Our goal was to learn about the history of the Pietralba sanctuary. At the end it was a real journey of the soul. The visit of the pilgrimage church is much more than only a touristic excursion. One is touched by the spirituality of the place and the beauty of the surrounding nature. In search of the origins we visited the hermitage of Leonhard, to whom the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared.

Round the Corno Bianco, in the forests between Nova Ponente and Aldino, there is a vast network of forested paths, which in winter are ideal for walking and cross-country skiing. Today we are going to experience this area. From the Pietralba monastery near Monte San Pietro (accessible by car or bus), we follow the path up to the Schönrast mountain hut. First we walk on a snow-capped path a short section up, then we proceed on a comfortable path across the forest, until we reach the Malga Schönrast. This is where our walk starts paralleling a cross-country ski track, leading to the Malga Schmieder Alm, situated further in the south. The Schönrast mountain hut, but also the Schmieder Alm taverns are open in winter and offer local treats.

Due to the perfect conditions and the good weather, we decide to extend the way back: at the Schönrast Alm we decide to take the path to the Kösertal valley. The path proceeds at the edge of the cross-country ski trail. At a junction in the valley, we follow the route towards the Malga Ora. Short after, we can enjoy a great view of the Sarentino Alps up to the Ortles mountains on the one hand, and on the Dolomites with Sciliar, Catinaccio and Latemar on the other side. Now on our left, the path no° 2B branches off, leading down to the Monte San Pietro mountain hut. It is a narrow path, leading across the deep snow. From the Malga Monte San Pietro (possibility to stop) it is only a short walk back to Pietralba. This is where our extended, but easy walking tour ends, directly under the above mentioned sanctuary.

Author: AT

If you would like to do this tour, inform yourselves about the current conditions on site.

Our editorial staff is always committed to ensuring the highest quality and accuracy of the information we publish. If you have suggestions to improve this page you can send them to us using the form below. Thank you in advance!